Across the country people dressed up during the day to help raise money for good causes.

Lenny Henry said it had been “25 years of truly incredible fundraising, truly incredible comedy and ... truly incredible suits”.

Hosts on stage included Dermot O’Leary, Claudia Winkleman and Jonathan Ross and former Dr Who actor David Tennant and footballer David Beckham were among those to appeal to the public to make donations.

One Direction, who have recorded this year’s official Red Nose Day single – a mash-up of Blondie’s One Way or Another and Teenage Kicks by The Undertones, performed and singer Jessie J made good on her pledge to shave her head for charity.

Earlier, two of the UK’s biggest comedy names, Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders, popped up on BBC Radio 2.

Others who took part included Miranda Hart, who completed a “Mad March” challenge each day this week in different cities across England.

The most ambitious was to organise a real-life wedding ceremony in a matter of hours for Claire Gilchrist, 26, and Ben Springett, 28, at Old Marylebone Town Hall in central London.

After the ceremony, she said: “The pressure was on but it was about Claire and Ben. I was determined to do the best I could so I got Michael Ball and the McFly boys and all these surprises for them to add to the occasion. I’m so thrilled.”

Kay took on what he called the “toughest challenge ever undertaken for Red Nose Day” – forcing himself to sit down for practically a whole week.

There was also an appearance by James Corden, who reprised his role as Smithy from Gavin and Stacey.

Highlights from Mark Watson’s recent 25-hour stand-up gig and Graham Norton’s Big Chat talk show marathon were shown, while US comic Will Ferrell appeared as San Diego “anchorman” Ron Burgundy in a one-off specially-recorded sketch.